# Sylvi vs LingoBuddy

The clearest difference is ratings volume: Sylvi at 338 against LingoBuddy's 2. Sylvi also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs fortnightly). LingoBuddy's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and review sentiment (100% vs 83%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Sylvi sells 24 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and LingoBuddy sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

LingoBuddy holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sylvi has 338 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 83% of Sylvi's written reviews are positive against 100% of LingoBuddy's.

Sylvi ships an update every 3 days, LingoBuddy fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sylvi | LingoBuddy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (338 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sylvi-language-penpals/id6478706305/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lingobuddy-learn/id6754448458/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **338** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 83.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 143 MB | 111 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sylvi Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1733715535) | [Jakob Frederik Ahlberg](https://appshunter.io/developer/1848305793) |

## What reviewers say

### Sylvi

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sylvi-language-penpals/id6478706305)

Practice foreign languages with AI penpals who provide tutor-level feedback on every message. Learn essential phrases, build vocabulary, and stay motivated with friends. Offers a free trial before subscription.

**Highlights:** AI penpals for language practice, Real-time message correction and explanation, Vocabulary building and memorization tools, Practice with friends, Streak preservation, Flashcards and leaderboard

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (24)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sylvi Lite (Monthly) | $2.99 | per month |
| Sylvi Lite (Monthly) | $2.99 | per month |
| Sylvi Pro (Monthly) | $6.99 | per month |
| Sylvi Pro (Monthly) | $6.99 | per month |
| Sylvi Lite (Monthly) | $6.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $13.99 | per month |
| Sylvi Pro (Monthly) | $14.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $19.99 | per month |
| 3 months | $19.99 | per 3 months |
| Sylvi Lite (Annual) | $23.99 | per year |
| Sylvi Lite (Annual) | $23.99 | per year |
| Monthly | $24.99 | per month |
| Sylvi Lite (Annual) | $35.99 | per year |
| 3 months | $39.99 | per 3 months |
| 3 months | $39.99 | per 3 months |
| Annual | $49.90 | per year |
| Annual | $59.99 | per year |
| Sylvi Pro (Annual) | $59.99 | per year |
| Sylvi Pro (Annual) | $59.99 | per year |
| Sylvi Pro (Annual) | $79.99 | per year |
| Annual | $83.90 | per year |
| Annual | $89.99 | per year |
| Annual | $129.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent language learning tool
- 👍 Engaging and interactive
- 🤖 Helpful AI assistant
- 💬 Great for practicing conversations
- 📈 Noticeable improvement in language skills

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Subscription required for full access
- 🔒 Limited free features
- 🌐 Lack of language options
- 🐛 Technical issues with speech recognition
- 🕰️ Repetitive lessons

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent app crashes
- Subscription issues
- Inconsistent user experience

**Requested features**

- Expand language options
- Improve free version features
- Implement more personalized learning
- Add more advanced conversation scenarios
- Improve speech recognition accuracy


### LingoBuddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lingobuddy-learn/id6754448458)

Practice speaking a new language through natural voice conversations with an AI companion. Get instant feedback on grammar and pronunciation, track your progress on the CEFR scale, and receive personalized recaps after each session. Supports 15 languages.

**Highlights:** AI voice conversations, Personalized progress tracking, Instant grammar/pronunciation feedback, CEFR proficiency scale, 15 languages available, Debrief and recap after calls

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pen Pals | $5.99 | per month |
| Language Adventurer | $6.99 | per month |
| Best Friends | $12.99 | per month |
| Language Master | $35.00 | per 6 months |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sylvi free?

Sylvi is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is LingoBuddy free?

LingoBuddy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Sylvi or LingoBuddy?

LingoBuddy is rated higher. Sylvi averages 4.7 out of 5 from 338 ratings, while LingoBuddy averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Sylvi or LingoBuddy have ads?

Neither Sylvi nor LingoBuddy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Sylvi or LingoBuddy?

Sylvi ships an update every 3 days, and LingoBuddy fortnightly. Most recently, Sylvi was updated on October 27, 2026 and LingoBuddy on October 28, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*